Belize Lobster Season: Closing Dates

Belize's lobster season typically closes on February 15, with some variation in end dates from year to year. For example, the 2022-2023 lobster season closed on February 28, 2023, and the season will close on the same date in 2024. The lobster season in Belize usually spans eight months, from July 1 to February 28 of the subsequent year.

The closing of the lobster season is a significant event in Belize, as lobster fishing and consumption are integral parts of the country's economy and culture. During the closed season, hunting or trapping lobsters is strictly prohibited to allow for their breeding and reproduction, ensuring the sustainability of the species.

Lobster fishing methods in Belize

Lobster fishing in Belize is done using two traditional methods: free diving with a hook stick and trapping.

Free Diving with a Hook Stick

Free diving for lobsters is when a fisherperson takes a deep breath and dives to the seafloor without any breathing apparatus. Caribbean spiny lobsters tend to love rocky areas, so this method requires skill and experience. Once the fisherperson spots a lobster, they use a long stick with a hook at the end, called a hook stick, to quickly hook the lobster 's soft underside and pull it out before it can scuttle away. Caribbean spiny lobsters can swim incredibly fast when threatened, so this method requires speed and precision.

Trapping

The other common method for catching lobsters in Belize is by using traps, which are carefully handmade by local fishermen using traditional methods. The traps are then baited and placed in shallow, sandy areas of the sea, where Caribbean spiny lobsters tend to feed. Once a few lobsters have been trapped, a fisherperson will free dive to the bottom of the seafloor and connect a line to the traps. The traps are then hauled up into small boats called dories or skiffs.

In addition to these two main methods, lobster shades are also used to harvest lobsters. Lobster shades are similar to traps but do not contain bait. Lobsters seek shade during daylight, so they hide in these traps, which are made of palmetto and corrugated roofing.

Lobster festivals in Belize

Each region of Belize showcases its unique interpretation of the festival, creating an immersive experience of the Belizean way of life. The festivities include outdoor food booths serving lobster prepared in a variety of ways, from grilled lobster to lobster thermidor and even lobster chowder. In addition to the culinary delights, the festivals also feature wacky beauty pageants, drinks, reggae and Belizean music concerts, beach parties, street festivals, and lobster-themed events such as the "biggest lobster catch" competition and lobster-eating competitions.

The San Pedro Ambergris Caye Lobster Fest is one of the most popular and extravagant festivals, offering free live music and discounted prices on drinks and lobster. Caye Caulker, the birthplace of the Belizean Lobster Fest, offers the best entertainment and discounted boat rides to and from the island. Placencia, known for its beautiful beaches, holds its Lobster Fest on the same weekend as Caye Caulker, and is considered by some to be the best of the lobster festivals.

The lobster festivals in Belize are a unique and exciting celebration of the country's culture and cuisine, offering visitors a truly immersive and gastronomic experience.

Lobster season in Placencia

Lobster season in Belize opens on 15 June and closes on 15 February, with the summer months marking the start of the season. During this time, lobster is abundant and affordable.

The Placencia Lobsterfest is an annual event held in Placencia Village, Belize, to celebrate the opening of the lobster season. The festival was first held in June 1998 and was initially a small gathering near the main dock of the Placencia harbour. It has since grown into one of the most spectacular events in Belize, attracting thousands of local and international visitors.

The Placencia Lobsterfest is organised by the Placencia BTIA (Belize Tourism Industry Association) and the Placencia Village Council. It is held over three days in early July, coinciding with Fisherman's Day, which is celebrated by the local fishing cooperative. The festival features over 60 booths serving an extensive menu of lobster dishes, including grilled lobster, lobster pizzas, and lobster fajitas. There are also booths serving other Belizean cuisines for those who do not like lobster. The event also includes live music, a well-stocked bar, and games such as Cast Net and Reel in the Dinghy.

In addition to the food and entertainment, the Placencia Lobsterfest also has a strong focus on environmental conservation. Since 2011, the Placencia BTIA has incorporated the Placencia Fisherman's Saltwater Tournament and the Southern Environmental Association's Lionfish Tournament to address the environmental threat posed by invasive species.

Lobster season in Ambergris Caye

The opening of the lobster season in Ambergris Caye is marked by the famous Lobster Fest, a range of festivities that take place on the beach. This event is a food lover's paradise, with local restaurants and vendors offering a variety of mouthwatering lobster dishes. From grilled lobster tails and lobster ceviche to more unique creations like lobster pizza and lobster fritters, there is something for every taste. The festival is not just about the delicious food, but also includes special dinners, wacky beauty pageants, drinks, reggae and Belizean music concerts, and all-day beach parties. It's a time when the community comes together to celebrate and share their culture.

During the lobster season, lobster is readily available and affordable, with prices starting at around $20.00 Bze per pound at the season's open and then stabilising at around $18.00 Bze. A lobster meal in a restaurant typically costs between $40.00 and $55.00. Lobster fishing in Belize is a traditional activity, with fishermen using traps and skin diving to catch these crustaceans. The lobster trap is a local adaptation of the trap used in the North Atlantic, and fishermen work within claimed territories to set their traps.

The Caribbean Spiny Lobster, also known as "Paneluris Argus", is the most important species in Belize due to its abundance and commercial value. This lobster is unique as it does not have claws but instead has two very long antennae. They are usually a purple/rust colour with tan and black markings and only turn red when boiled. These lobsters are nocturnal, hiding under ledges or in crevices during the day, but tour guides can sometimes coax them out for visitors to see.

The lobster season in Ambergris Caye is a highly anticipated event, offering a unique cultural experience and the opportunity to indulge in delicious lobster dishes. It's a time of celebration, community, and, of course, a showcase of the finest seafood Belize has to offer.

Lobster season in Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is the birthplace of the Belizean Lobster Fest, which is a celebration of the opening of the lobster season. The festival is held annually in mid-June, in four parts of the country: Belize City, the northern cayes, and the southern coast. Caye Caulker, San Pedro, and Placencia each host the festival for a three-day weekend.

The Caye Caulker Lobster Festival starts on a Friday with the crowning of Miss Lobster Fest. The festival includes displays of live lobsters, the weighing of the biggest lobster of the weekend, a dance event on Saturday night, and various delicious lobster dishes to try. Caye Caulker takes its Miss Lobster Fest pageant tradition very seriously. Teenagers showcase their beauty and charm to win the coveted title.

The 2024 Caye Caulker Lobster Fest will be held from July 14 to July 16. The festival is known for its fantastic weekend entertainment, with prices better than San Pedro's. Even boat rides to and from the island are heavily discounted.

The lobster harvesting season in Belize opens on June 15 and closes on February 14. The season closes from February 15 to June 14 for the mating season.

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